DOMENIC RUGGIERI

Domenic P. Ruggieri

Age 83 died at the VA Medical Center in Washington, DC on Thursday, December 15, 2005, 6 months after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke.

He was born August 16, 1922 in Kennett Square, PA to Arcangelo and Angelina Leo Ruggieri. He graduated from Kennett High School in 1940. Domenic was inducted in the Army in 1942 and was sent to fight in Europe in World War II. He attained the rank of staff sergeant in the 376th Infantry Regiment of the 94th Division. On March 25, 1945 he was wounded by sniper fire during a battle approaching the Rhine River at Ludwigshaven, Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with 4 clusters for his bravery. He spent nearly 3 years in army hospitals and underwent 40 surgeries. After he was discharged, Domenic graduated with the class of 1950 from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and returned to Berlin, Germany, this time with the CIA. On June 14, 1952, he married Adelyn "Addie" M. Janicki of Grand Rapids, MI. "Jerry" or "Mim", as he was affectionately known, returned to his hometown to work with his family's Wayside Market. A lifelong Democrat, he became active in many civil rights causes in the late 50s and 60s. He was a lectern at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church and volunteered in an agency that helped immigrants assimilate, learn English and find work. In 1968, he was appointed postmaster of Kennett Square and held that position until he retired in 1983. Domenic and his wife divided their time between Lewes, DE and Fort Myers, FL. He was an avid golfer and remained interested in politics and current events.

Domenic is survived by his wife, Adelyn, of Silver Spring, MD; his sons, Stephen, of Cedarburg WI and Rand, of Silver Spring, MD; their wives, Pamela and Fig; and his grandchildren, Nicholas, Carly and Eric. He is also survived by 2 sisters, Melania Eapen, of Roswell, GA and Elaine Ruggieri, of Charlottesville, VA; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Domenic was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Rosalie Ruggieri Wheeler; and 2 brothers, Archie and Dino Ruggieri.

A military burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at 2:45 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2006. The FRANCIS J. COLLINS FUNERAL HOME of Silver Spring, MD will be handling the arrangements.

Given his lifelong love of reading, a fitting memorial may be made in memory of Domenic P. Ruggieri (Class of '50) for Library Funding, Georgetown University, Memorial Gift, 2115 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Ste. 500, Washington, DC 20007-2214 Attn: Kyle McGowan.